Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macao
Newsletter n. 8
OCTOBER 2012
Introduction by the Consul General
Whilst the cultural issue of our Newsletter updates you on all
cultural events jointly organised by the Consulate General and
the Italian Cultural Institute, the current issue is focused also on
the latest consular news and the major commercial events which
will take place between the last week of October and the
beginning of December.
Beyond the traditional yearly editions of the Grape Festival and
Sandy Bay “Il Mercatino” – where, by the way, you are all
invited - several important initiatives, which are listed in
chronological order, have been scheduled to promote our food &
wine specialties.
We have also dedicated some space to consular news, among
which the forthcoming elections in Sicily.
As you may have noticed, we are still experimenting with the
most appropriate and effective graphic format for the Newsletter,
which is the reason why its layout keeps changing. We are
simply working hard to improve our communication skills with
the objective of making its contents as pleasant and legible as
possible.
With regard to communication, I am also proud to announce that
very soon the Consulate General’s Facebook page will be
launched, and I hope many of you will register.
Consular News
The Autumn Grape Festival 2012
3 November 2012
The Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macao, Scuola
Italiana Manzoni Ltd., Comitato della Scuola Dante Alighieri di
Hong Kong Ltd., The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong
Kong and Macao in association with Mr Eligio Oggionni present
The Autumn Grape Festival 2012.
This event provides a unique opportunity to taste high quality
traditional Italian cheeses and grapes, which are generally not
available in Hong Kong.
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2012
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Venue: The Podium of Cyberport 2, Level 4, 100 Cyberport
Road
IL MERCATINO: The Italian charity fair
The Italian Women’s Association in Hong Kong,
December)
Sandy Bay (1
As usually this time of year, on 1st December the Italian
Women’s Association in Hong Kong will be organizing il
Mercatino, the Charity Fair of Sandy Bay, which has become
one of the most renowned charity events in Hong Kong.
This year visitors to the fair, in addition to being able to buy a
wide variety of clothes, toys, ornaments and handicraft, will also
have the fantastic opportunity to enjoy Italian food and wines in
a new “casual” gourmet corner (which replaces the restaurant of
previous years), “L’Angolo del Buongustaio”, specially set up
for the occasion.
For this edition, the Italian Women’s Association together with
the Society for the Relief of the Disabled Children have decided
to donate part of the funds raised to other charity organizations in
Hong Kong, and also towards medical equipment for the
Duchess of Kent hospital (which will be hosting the fair in its
gardens).
Administrative elections and election of the President and the
Assembly of the region of Sicily
Italian nationals are kindly reminded that elections for the
Assembly and the President of the Sicily Region will take
place on 28 and 29 October 2012.
On the same dates local administrative elections will be held in
the following municipalities (with a possible ballot election on
11 and 12 November 2012): Gricignano di Aversa (CE), San
Giuseppe Vesuviano (NA), Borgia (CZ), Condofuri e San
Procopio (RC), Corigliano Calabro (CS), Nicotera (VV),
Ospitaletto (BS).
Further information on the elections and travel discounts for
voters are available at the following link (in Italian only):
http://www.conshongkong.esteri.it/Consolato_HongKong/Arc
hivio_News/Elezione+del+Presidente+della+Regione.htm
Importance of updating the e-mail contacts of the Italian nationals
In order to innovate and simplify administrative procedures and
provide more effective and well-timed services to Italian citizens
living overseas, we would like to remind all residents in Hong
Kong and Macao of the importance of keeping the Consulate
General updated with their personal e-mail contacts. By doing
so, Italian nationals will be able to receive relevant information
from the Consulate on consular services, including the new ones
which will soon be available through the new platform
SE.CO.LI. (“Consular Services On-Line”).
Last but not least, they will be able to keep receiving the future
issues of our Newsletter!
All e-mail addresses will be used by the Consulate General only
in strict accordance with the requirements of Italian data
protection laws and will not be given to third parties.
Innovitalia
Italian Researchers Global Platform
Innovitalia is a new Italian platform created by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Universities and
Research to facilitate exchanges between Italian researchers
operating in Italy and those living abroad. Innovitalia represents
a virtual place where the experiences and the cultural capital of
Italian researchers can openly interact, a new dynamic database
of all Italian scientists and researchers overseas.
The platform aims to promote integration among Italian
scientific researchers and emphasize an exchange of experiences
among professionals working abroad in the Italian scientific
contest. In particular, this platform is equally a forum and a
discussion environment where users can interact on topics of
interest listed by subject areas. In addition, Innovitalia aims to
promote events, conferences, professional programs and
opportunities in scientific sectors through information provided
directly by the network of scientists and the Ministry of
Education, Universities and Research.
The platform practically replaces the current database “Da Vinci”
and is based on the innovative “crowd-sourcing” technology
which allows each member to share information and knowledge
with all other users.
For further information please visit the website
www.innovitalia.net.
News from Dante Alighieri Society
The Dante Alighieri Society is delighted to inform you that a
new course “Prima la musica e poi le parole: learning Italian
through Opera” is now open for enrollment. Three main aspects
of the operatic composition from Mozart to Puccini will be
introduced in 3 classes: il Verismo (I Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba;
Cavalleria Rusticana: No, no, Turiddu, rimani...; Gianni
Schicchi: O mio babbino caro), la Comicità (Le nozze di Figaro:
Voi che sapete o Non so più; Il barbiere di siviglia: Duetto fra
Figaro e Rosina; Rigoletto: La donna è mobile) e l’Amore
(L’Elisir d'amore: Una furtiva lagrima; Traviata: Brindisi;
Puccini: Che gelida manina..., Mi chiamano Mimì). The course
objective is to cover some basic vocabulary and grammar by
looking at texts and listening to some famous and not-so-famous
arias and duets from operas. Opera is full of marvelous words
and unique expressions and phrases that make both the opera and
the language come alive.
The course is targeted for students who have had some basic
exposure to the Italian language but also to Italian native
speakers who would like to know more about the subject. It will
take place on 1st, 8th and 15th November from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
at the Dante Alighieri Centre.
For further information and enrollment please contact Ms Tracy
Chan, tracy@ladante.cc, telephone number 2832 9799.
Fee: 1,000 HK$ (800 HK$ for Dante Alighieri students and
Dante Members).
Learning material included.
Last 15 October a fun-filled and easy-going evening took place
around a table at Domani Restaurant (which kindly provided
pizzas for all!) where singer Dolcenera, whom we would like to
thank for her generous participation, met Dante’s students and
teachers.
It was an all-round evening of Italian culture where students
could practise the language and talked to the singer and the
organisers of the Cultural Association Salento Cinema
(Dolcenera’s two concerts are scheduled on 17 and 22 October at
the Jockey Club Auditorium of the Hong Kong Polytechnic
University and at Teatro Dom Pedro V in Macao respectively;
refer to Newsletter for more information).
Visit of the parliamentary commission on the traffic of waste to Hong
Kong
Members of the Italian Commission on the traffic of
hazardous waste visited Hong Kong last 14 September in the
framework of a fact finding mission to China.
During the visit the Commission (which investigates aspects of
the traffic of waste in Italy and overseas) had meetings with the
Permanent Secretary of the Environmental Protection
Department, Ms Anissa Wong, and with the Director of the
Prosecution Office of Hong Kong, Mr. Kevin Zervos, and was
invited to pay a visit to the Eco Park recycling plant.
During their stay the members of the Commission managed to
acquire useful information on many aspects of the traffic of
waste between Italy, Hong Kong and Mainland China, as well as
on the policies adopted by Hong Kong Authorities for the
recycling of urban waste in the SAR.
Economic News
Committee of the Grandi Cru of Italy and Enoteca Pinchiorri in Hong
Kong
Wine tasting and Fundraising Dinner and charity auction for the Hong
Kong Polytecnic University
22nd and 23rd October 2012
On 23 October The Committee of the Grandi Cru of Italy
“Comitato Grandi Cru d’Italia” with the support of Dynamic
Network Alliance will organize an exclusive wine charity
auction at the Icon Hotel in collaboration with Christie’s for
the 75th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Polytechnic
University.
The Committee of the Grandi Cru of Italy was born to protect
and develop the image of Italian wine-producing companies
and has managed single and multiple vineyards for the last 20
years. As a result excellent wines have been honoured with the
highest recognitions from the most authoritative publications
and guides.
The Committee includes 108 of the most prestigious wine
producers of Italy, which represent the maximum expression
of the cultural and qualitative values of their territory. The
Committee aims to educate the larger public on the specific
identity of the Grandi Cru wineries through different
promotion activities.
The charity auction will be accompanied by an exclusive Gala
dinner signed by the renowned “Enoteca Pinchiorri”, awarded
with 3-Michelin star Italian restaurant since 1993. The owner
Annie Féolde of “Enoteca Pinchiorri”, the first woman in Italy
to be awarded three stars for her restaurant and the First Chef,
Mr. Italo Bassi, will be designing a special menu for the night
to pair with the wines from the Committee of the Grandi Cru
of Italy.
The charity auction will be preceded by a private wine tasting
event with selections of wines from 62 wineries from Grandi
Cru. The wine tasting will take place at the renowned Chater
Room, Hong Kong Jockey Club on 22 October.
In order to promote the wine and cuisine knowledge and
culture, on 24 October the Committee and “Enoteca
Pinchiorri” will engage in two culinary and wine seminars for
the students of the Hotel Management School of the PolyU.
From 25 to 27 October, the Committee of the Grandi Cru of
Italy and Enoteca Pinchiorri will continue to promote great
Italian wines at the Italian Restaurant Tosca (Ritz Carlton
Hotel).
For more information please visit www.grandicruditalia.it
The 4th Edition of the Italian Cuisine and Wines World Summit in
Hong Kong
1- 10 November
An impressive showcase of talents, flavours and products is
scheduled from 1 to 10 November at the 4th Italian Cuisine
and Wine World Summit. More than 20 top Italian master
chefs from Italy and from major Asian cities, many of which
Michelin-starred, will be hosted by the best Italian restaurants
in town to prepare special lunches and dinners, run cooking
master classes and host product tastings.
Italian cuisine has become one of the most beloved cuisines in
Asia, and Hong Kong is the gateway for quality foodstuffs
and wines coming from Italy. A proof of this is that the
Summit continues to grow with each edition and this year its
Headquarters will be at the Hong Kong Wine and Dine
Festival (1-4 November 2012). In 2011, the Festival hosted
1,000 exhibitors, more than 21,000 trade visitors and more
than 170,000 visitors from the general public.
Under the Patronage of the Consulate
General of Italy
During the Festival, the Summit will showcase many typical
Italian products and fine Italian wines, as well as the
educational cooking demonstrations, workshops on Italian
cooking for the Pavilion’s visitors byh Michelin-starred
Master Guest Chefs and many other initiatives.
The Summit will also be present at the Hong Kong
International Wine and Spirits Fair and will host events like
the “Risotto World Summit” and “The Italian Wine List
Awards for Asian Restaurants”.
The summit is organized by itchefs-gvci.com. GVCI (Virtual
Group of Italian Chefs) is a very active network counting
1,200 chefs and culinary professionals working in 70 different
countries.
For more information regarding the Italian Cuisine and Wine
World Summit please visit:
http://italiancuisinesummit.itchefsgvci.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8
80&Itemid=1111
Third edition of “Tre Bicchieri - Gambero Rosso” event and
presentation of the second edition of the Vini d’Italia wine guide in
Chinese
7 November
After the great success of the first two events in 2010 and in
2011, the third edition of renowned ‘Tre Bicchieri” Gambero
Rosso - “Three Glasses” Gambero Rosso is back to Hong
Kong under the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy.
Promoted by the renowned Italian food & wine publishing
house “Gambero Rosso” the event will take place on 7th
November 2012 in the prestigious venue of the Asia Society
Hong Kong. The event, organized with the support of the
Consulate General of Italy and the Italian Trade Commission
in Hong Kong, will showcase more than 100 Italian wines
awarded with the highest score ‘Three Glasses’ (Tre
Bicchieri) to a selected audience of importers, restaurateurs,
traders, journalists of the local press and buyers. Tre Bicchieri
World Tour, the first edition of which was in 1988, presents a
series of events dedicated to marketing the best Italian wines.
Under the Patronage of the Consulate
General of Italy
The tasting will also be an opportunity to launch the second
edition of “Vini d’Italia” wine guide in Chinese. The Opening
Ceremony (2.00 to 3.00 p.m.) will be attended by Gambero
Rosso General Manager, Mr. Luigi Salerno, the Editor in
Chief Mr. Marco Sabellico and by the Consul General of Italy
in Hong Kong, Ms. Alessandra Schiavo. A Walkaraound
Wine Tasting of 100 “Tre Bicchieri” awarded wines (03.0008.00 p.m.) will follow.
Only the very best Italian wines awarded with “Tre Bicchieri”
– namely those top-rated in the Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia
guide – and “Green Three Bicchieri” - wines from companies
that are particularly attentive to environmental issues (organic
and biodynamic cultivation) - will be showcased during this
unmissable event.
For
more
information
please
trebicchieri.hongkong@gamberorosso.it
+85231877488 and visit www.gamberorosso.it
contact
Phone:
News from the Italian Trade Commission in Hong Kong and Macao
8 -10 November 2012 “Hong Kong International Wine &
Spirits Fair”
Once
again
ICE
will
coordinate,
together
with
VeronaFiere/VINITALY, the Italian participation at the 5 th
edition of the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair
2012 organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council
(HKTDC) in November. This year, the Fair will reserve a special
pavilion exclusively to the wine-producing countries of the “Old
World”: buyers and visitors to the fair will be given the
opportunity to find, within the same location, companies and
products from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal for a full
immersion in the culture and history of wine.
Italy will honour its role among the world’s leading countries in
the wine sector with a qualified and selected participation: the
exhibition space allocated to our country will be 1,400 square
meters ca. and will host around 190 companies. Within the
Italian pavilion, exhibitors, either independently or collectively,
will showcase their best products (wine, liquor, food for wine)
and services (wine-related services, investment in the wine
industry).
At time of printing Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna, the
Consortium of Piedmont Wines, the Consortium of Wines of
Conegliano and all the consortia from Tuscany: Chianti, Chianti
Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di
Montepulciano, have confirmed their participation in the
collective booths, in addition to those organised at “Vinitaly”,
which will be coordinated by VeronaFiere.
7 -9 November 2012 “Hong Kong Optical Fair”
Italian participation at the 20th edition of OPTICAL FAIR 2012,
one of the most important events in the optical sector for the
Asia/Pacific region, is in advanced stage of preparation. As part
of the area VOS – Vision of style - ICE will set up an area of
160 square meters ca. for 17 manufacturers of glasses and their
parts, a sector in which Italy excels in Hong Kong, where it
accounted for 17% of the market share in 2011 coming second
only after China. In terms of sunglasses, Italy is the largest
provider of Hong Kong with an exceptional 50% of the market
share.
14 -16 November 2012 “Cosmoprof Asia”
As part of the Agreement among ICE/MISE/UNIPRO (Italian
Association of Cosmetic Industries), ICE will carry out a
promotional project to support the Italian collective participation
at COSMOPROF ASIA focused on the implementation of
advertising and communication to trade and consumer channels.
COSMOPROF ASIA is the biggest industry event in Asia,
jointly organized by UBM and Bologna Fiere. Italy will be
represented at the Fair by over 80 manufacturers of perfumes,
make-up products, skin care and hair care. Exports of Italian
cosmetics to Hong Kong in 2011 increased by 22.4% to a value
of over 100 million U.S. dollars.
Vinitaly Tour
8 -10 November
Vinitaly Tour is back in Hong Kong on 8 -10 November at the
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair. This edition of
Vinitaly Tour China will be complemented by numerous
Master Wine Classes, Cooking demonstrations, B2B
Seminars, and Wine&Food Pairing Sessions. Vinitaly
Interactive Wine Tasting with Ipad’s will bring a new exciting
element to the Tour.
The introduction of Vinitaly Interactive Ipad App will enable
attendees to easily record their tasting preferences in an
intuitive way. At the end of the event, participants will find
their personalized tasting book in their email inbox, making it
easy to recall and learn about the Italian wines that were
tasted.
This year Vinitaly Tour Hong Kong program will be
complemented by two exciting consumer events.
The first one will be held on the 3-4 November during the
“Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival”. Here an estimated
number of more than 150,000 people will have the chance to
experience Vinitaly’s “Red, White and Sparkling” wine-bars
at the Italian Themed Night Area. Showcased wineries
include: Sartori, Antinori, Barone Ricasoli, Bolgheri,
Batasiolo, Corte Giar. Food lovers will also to enjoy the
chance to taste the many Italian food specialties on offer.
The second consumer event is unique as it features a Vintage
Tram ride with Italian wine through the heart of Hong Kong
on the evening of 7th November (to register please contact
staff@vinitalytour.com). For the first time Vinitaly Wine
Affair is a wine tasting on the move and a prelude to the
International Wine and Spirits Fair. The evening tram ride will
last for 3 ½ hours and will feature a ride through Hong Kong’s
most iconic spots: from Whitty Street Station, where the
journey begins, to Shau Kei Wan, the Hong Kong Convention
and Exhibition Center, Happy Valley, and back to Whitty
Street Station. Attendees will have the unique chance to enjoy
the magic of Hong Kong City by night and taste selected fine
wines exclusively featured on the Vintage Tram of Vinitaly
Wine Affair.
For more information please visit www.vinitalytour.com
and follow Vinitaly Tour on Twitter @VinitalyTour
@MyOperaWine and Facebook.
Great Wines of Italy Event
4 - 5 December
On 4 and 5 December, Hong Kong Tatler and James
Suckling will be presenting the Great Wines of Italy winetasting event at the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong. Nearly
100 of the best wineries from Italy will pour their highestrated wines – all selected by renowned wine connoisseur
James Suckling.
An exclusive grand tasting will take place on 4th December
when all the participating wineries will pour no less than three
of their best wines to top Asian wine collectors, wines lovers
and trade members. December 5 focuses on a mouth-watering
multi-course Chinese dinner prepared by Michelin-starred
Summer Palace’s chef Ip Chi-cheung. The dinner aims to
prove how great Cantonese cuisine pairs with the best wines
of Italy. Some of the top producers attending the event include
Antinori, Aldo Conterno, Bruno Giacosa, Casanova di Neri,
Ceretto, Frescobaldi, Le Macchiole, Luce, Il Borro, Ornellaia,
Paolo Scavino, Petrolo, Pio Cesare, Poggio Antico, Sette
Ponti, Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia), Siro Pacenti, Testamatta,
Tua Rita, Valdicava and Vietti. Don’t miss this exclusive
event.
Great Wines of Italy, Grand Tasting, December 4, 2012 (Tue)
Time: 3.00 – 5.00 pm: Wine Tasting [for trade and industry
professionals only]
5.00 – 8.00 pm: Grand Tasting [for public]
Venue : Island Shangri-La Grand Ballroom
Ticketing
Trade - Grand Tasting: on RSVP
Public - Grand Tasting: HK$ 500 / Early bird HK$ 400 (until
Nov 12, 2012)
Visit
www.greatwinesitaly.com
and
www.twitter.com/GreatWinesItaly for more information.
Business of Design Week
Spotlight on design annual conference (3 -8 December)
Asia’s leading annual design event is back from 3 to 8
December for more exhibitions, forums and programs to
explore the growing business of design, innovation and
branding.
Organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) since
2002, the week long conference brings the best of the global
design community to Hong Kong, offering a chance for design
experts and executives to network and share innovations and
ideas.
With China already the world's largest exporter of design
goods and emerging to the forefront of the global creative
industry, the Hong Kong conference is an excellent
networking opportunity for delegates. The event is also
becoming a vital link in growing the aggregate demand and
boasting the global value chain for design in the world
economy.
This year’s Business of Design Week (BODW) includes a
showcase of Danish design with numerous international
experts and executives from Scandinavia and other countries
set to appear and speak.
In addition to a three day forum, special events around the
week include the popular Detour public exhibits and displays,
the BrandAsia Forum, the Technology For Design seminar,
and, this year, the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC)
Awards cum 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Topics covered
over the conference include technology, heritage & culture,
branding, education and product & fashion.
The Consulate General of Italy is one of the supporting
organisations of BODW 2012.
For a comprehensive list of sponsors, supporting organisations
and for more information on BODW 2012 please visit the
official web site: www.bodw.com
Italian Chamber of Commerce
October -November initiatives
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao is
pleased to present the following upcoming events and seminars:
16 October, 12:30 - 14:00 at the Canadian Chamber of
Commerce in Hong Kong - Mainland China Real Estate
The seminar will be held by Mr. Frank Chen, Executive Director,
Head of CBRE Research, China. Mr. Chen will give a general
outlook on the residential property sector, in particular he will
speak in detail about the potential property bubble in China and
the impact on Hong Kong economy & property market if China
property collapses. Please visit goo.gl/WmQIZ for further
information.
17 October, 18:30 - 22:30 at the Hong Kong Bankers Club - The
Big Red Cheque Book - China’s Outbound Investments
Selected leaders from different companies will give their expert
insight on China’s overseas investments, currently driven by the
country’s need for raw materials. Join this event to find out how
the “Big Red Cheque Book” could affect your business. For
further information visit our website on www.icc.org.hk.
18 October, 19:30 - 22:00 at Cova Caffè – Dining for Success The Essentials of Dining Etiquette
Ms Kristine Stewart, Director of the Hong Kong Institute of
Etiquette, will hold an intensive course on etiquette at the table,
including: essential table manners, the protocol of table settings,
dining conversation, attentive hosting and techniques for eating
certain foods. Participation fee (HK$850 Members and IYP //
HK$900 Non-Members) is inclusive of starters, main course,
dessert and water. Check the ICC website at goo.gl/UY4dP.
18 - 21 October - 17th Macao International Trade & Investment
Fair (MIF)
The Chamber is offering booths and a central meeting area
within the EU Pavilion during the event designed to promote
international co-operation and exchange in investment and trade.
Application form available at: goo.gl/1HqR0.
4 November, 9:30 - 15:30 at Waterfall Bay - Hong Kong
International Coastal Cleanup Challenge
Waste and garbage in the oceans kill countless seabirds, marine
mammals and turtles each year through entanglement and
ingestion. Beach cleanups bring awareness to the vast and vital
issue of marine debris, and allow participants to engage with the
beautiful coastal ecosystems. Please visit our website
www.icc.org.hk for further information.
Marco Polo Society
Italian Tour 2012.
From 5 to 10 October a delegation of the Marco Polo Society,
an association promoting friendship between Italy and Hong
Kong, visited Piedmont and Rome. The tour, organized by the
Consulate General of Italy, represented an exclusive
opportunity for the over twenty participants to see palaces and
historical villas (generally not open to the public) and top
museums in Turin (i.e., the Museum of Cinema in the Mole
Antonelliana; the Egyptian Museum which houses the world’s
second largest collection of Egyptians antiquities; the Motor
Museum, where the President, Mr. Benedetto Camerana,
welcomed the guests).
As well as on the art and culture of Piedmont, the trip focused
on the region’s excellent food & wine traditions of the Langhe
area with visits to Gancia and Fontanafredda cellars and
mouth-watering tasting of cheese, truffles, chocolate and
wine.
During the 5 day tour many interesting meetings were
scheduled between the delegation and representatives of the
local business community. Andrea Agnelli invited the Marco
Polo Members to the Juventus F.C. HQs at the presence of
local representatives of the Regional Government and
Parliament, and
Marco Boglione welcomed them the
historical textile factory “Maglificio Calzificio Torinese”.
Next on the schedule, a visit to Eatitaly. Here the founder and
President of Slow Food, Mr. Carlo Petrini, met the group in
the only University in the world of Gastronomic Sciences.
The Marco Polo Society’s mission wrapped up in Rome with
a visit at the Doria Pamphili Palace and a dinner hosted at
Banca d’Italia’s HQs by its Deputy Director General Mr.
Giovanni Carosio. The event was attended by many senior
representatives of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(among which Ambassadors Melani, Stefanini and
Verderame, and Ministers Perugini, Sandalli and Vignali) and
Confindustria (among which Vice President Lo Bello and the
President of the Technical Committee for Internationalization,
Mr. Zegna).
The commercially-inspired visits to Pollenzo and its Bank of
Wine constituted an inspiration for future cooperation
between Italy and Hong Kong (Pres. Petrini, for example, was
invited to the SAR) and the tour of the Motor Museum
presented a potential opportunity for future projects between
the Museum in Turin and the world of car collectors in China
and Hong Kong.
Interview with Carlo Fornaciari
Business Development Manager, LIU·JO ASIA Pacific Ltd.
LIU·JO: A Made in Italy Love Story
Interview by Stefania Lupi
A name, a love story: LIU·JO, an Italian fashion brand founded
in Carpi in 1995, is a tribute to the nickname that Marco Marchi,
one of the two brothers who created the brand, gave to his first
love Luisa when he was 16. A sweet memory that brought him
good luck and success.
Its secret? The irresistible charm and timeless fashion appeal
women of all ages feel wearing the collections. Well known
across three continents (Europe, Africa and Asia), LIU·JO
established its Asia Pacific’s independent branch in Hong Kong
at the end of 2008. “Liu Jo Asia Pacific took over the business
started from a local partner and had to establish its headquarters
to manage the 15 shops that were at the time open in China”,
says Mr. Carlo Fornaciari, Business Development Manager of
LIU·JO ASIA Pacific Ltd. “The beginning was very challenging
as there was no structure to support the business and everything
needed to be organised, from the staff to the office location”.
Now, though, things have changed. “LIU·JO Asia Pacific has a
second branch in Shanghai which manages more than 30
employees and during the last three years has mainly focused on
retail expansion. By the end of 2012 there will be 50 mono-brand
shops in China and our presence is also well established in other
Asian markets (Japan, Philippines, Korea and Taiwan). The
Brand is now quite well-known and we are exploring the
opportunities of cooperation with new partners and distributors,
as the investment from the head office in Italy is no longer
needed to support our activities”.
LIU·JO woman is modern, spontaneous, feminine, sexy and
comfortable in her own skin. Pursuing this spirit, the company is
expanding year after year and has become an Italian fashion
powerhouse with unique and diverse lines of women’s clothes,
shoes and accessories, menswear, jeans, beachwear, underwear,
junior and baby wear.
Hong Kong, in particular, is an important hub for LIU·JO. “Two
new concept stores have been launched this year and they
involve two of our products lines, Jeans and Accessories”,
explains Mr. Fornaciari. “The goal is to develop a new network
of boutiques carrying only a specific Liu Jo line, so that we can
choose our shop locations with more freedom and reinforce our
presence on the markets”. Then, the company worked on a
crucial event that has been held in Hong Kong last August: the
opening of LIU·JO boutique in Hysan Place (Causeway Bay) at
the inauguration of the Mall.
“Retail business in Hong Kong is extremely challenging as all
the biggest brands have shops in this market and customers are
very demanding”, concludes Mr. Fornaciari. “It is so good for us
to find suitable locations in such a showcasing environment”.
Newsletter n. 8
OCTOBER 2012
Cultural News
Music
DOLCENERA
Voice & Piano
Two first time gigs in October for Salentinian singer
Dolcenera, who will perform in Hong Kong and Macao on 17
and 22 Oct. respectively. Invited by the director of the Italian
Cultural Institute in Hong Kong, Mr. Matteo Fazzi, and the
Italian Consul General, Ms Alessandra Schiavo, Dolcenera’s
concert in Hong Kong will take place at the Jockey Club
Auditorium of the Polytechnic University.
On 22 October, the Italian singer will be in Macao as part of the
“26th Macao International Music Festival”, one of the most
prestigious Music Festival in the Far East, directed by famous
Chinese tenor Warren Mok.
Dolcenera’s promotional tour in Asia is organized by Salento
Cinema, a no profit organization founded in 2012 by Gigi
Campanile with the main goal of promoting new talents to an
international public through cultural and cinema events.
Thanks to her debut single, Solo tu, in 2002 Dolcenera entered
the singing contest Destinazione Sanremo where 12 of the 16
newcomers were selected for the “53rd Sanremo Music
Festival”. During the final, Dolcenera was announced one of
the winners. At the festival in May 2003, she won first place in
the newcomers’ section of the competition and received the
Press, TV and Radio Award. Her second single, Siamo tutti là
fuori, peaked at number 10 on the Italian Singles Chart and it
was included in her debut album Sorriso nucleare, released in
March 2003. Her second studio album Un mondo perfetto,
released in May 2005, sold more than 90,000 copies and was
certified Platinum. In 2005 Dolcenera also received the De
Andrè Award, the Leone d'Argento as “Musical Revelation of
the Year” and she scooped “Best New Artist of the Year” at the
MEI (Meeting of Independent Record Labels).
Dolcenera continued to participate in the “Sanremo Music
Festival” in 2006 with Com'è straordinaria la vita, the lead
single from her third album, Il popolo dei sogni and in 2009
with Il mio amore unico, the lead single of her fourth album
Dolcenera nel paese delle meraviglie. The hit was ranked no. 1
on the airplay chart and peaked at number 5 on the Italian
Albums Chart; in the 62th edition of the music festival in 2012,
Dolcenera came sixth with her song Ci vediamo a casa,
included in the 2012 version of her fifth album, Evoluzione
della specie².
Date in Hong Kong: Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Jockey Club Auditorium, The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University, Hung Hom, Kowloon
Organized by: Italian Cultural Institute / Italian Consulate
General in Hong Kong and Macao
In collaboration with: Salento Cinema
Supported by: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Kindly sponsored by: Swiss International Air Lines
Date in Macao: Monday, October 22, 2012
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Don Pedro V Macao
Info: http://www.icm.gov.mo/fimm/26/
Maurizio Mastrini piano recital
TERRA!! - International Tour 2012
Maurizio Mastrini, one of the greatest contemporary Italian
pianists, has been invited by the director of the Italian Cultural
Institute, Mr. Matteo Fazzi, and the Italian Consul General, Ms
Alessandra Schiavo to perform at Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong
Arts Centre, on 23rd October 2012. Mastrini, who is promoting
his album Terra!!, has put together pieces influenced by many
different genres, from jazz to Latin rhythms: Astor is a piece
written in homage to the great Argentinean musician Astor
Piazzolla; Malinconia ponders over sentimental – but not
oppressing nor sad – melancholy; In treno in Sud America (On
a train in South America) shows evident jazz, soul and old
America Style sounds; La Giostra (the Merry-go-round), plays
with composition styles by several classical composers - from
Chopin to Mozart, to Brahms, Liszt, Bach, Schumann, etc. through a simple theme and modern harmonies.
Maurizio Mastrini, “the only pianist in the world who plays
backwards” from the end to the beginning of the score, has
gained great popularity and international media attention as one
of the most talented musicians in the new Italian contemporary
classical music panorama. His talented execution leads
audiences on an emotional journey through his notes and and
his music represents the European excellence around the world.
Mastrini’s experimental performances - many of his works are
minimalist in their composition - move our senses and make us
think and his unique and exciting concerts touch audiences’
heartstrings, imprinting a clear message in our memories. His
notes are a clear expression of his praise for Nature, the
importance of its preservation, the pursuit of simplicity in life.
Matrini’s musical creativity has its roots in Umbria where he
lives far away from the frantic rhythms of life.
Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Harbour
Road 2, Wanchai
Organized by: Italian Cultural Institute / Italian Consulate
General in Hong Kong and Macao
Pietro Valente No Border trio
2012 Far East Tour
After a long journey in Asia which took him on an intense
professional adventure in the music scene of Taiwan and China,
in 2009 Pietro Valente recorded the album Tales From The
Far East, a sort of music diaryof his experience. After the 2010
Taiwan Tour, the Italian drummer is back to Asia to perform
music from his album, this time in trio with Nicola Fazzini at
the saxophone and Scott Dodd at the bass.
Pietro Valente’s 2012 Far East Tour will include dates in the
main cities of Taiwan (Taipei, Kaoshiung, Taichung, Tainan)
and dates in the South East of China (Hong Kong, Macao,
Guangzhou, Shenzhen).
Date in Hong Kong: Saturday, October 27, 2012
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Backstage live restaurant, 1/F Somptaeax Central,
Wellington Street 52-54, Central
Organized by: Italian Cultural Institute / Italian Consulate
General in Hong Kong and Macao
In collaboration with: Backstage Live Restaurant
Date in Macao Friday, October 26, 2012
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Venue: Auditorium Casa Grande, Macao
Info: the performance in Macao is a free event and the
concert will be followed by the performance of Portuguese
music group Zé Eduardo.
Academy Clarinet Concert
Guest Clarinettist: Piero Vincenti
The School of Music of the HK Academy for Performing Arts
is happy to present Italian Piero Vincenti as special guest
soloist of a clarinet concert this coming November.
Clarinet students of the School of Music will be performing in
parts of the programme under the direction and coaching of
Mr. Vincenti.
Maestro Piero Vincenti will also give a Master Class to the
students.
Date in Hong Kong: Sunday, November 11, 2012
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Concert Hall, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing
Arts
Organized by: School of Music of the Hong Kong Academy for
Performing Arts
In collaboration with: Italian Cultural Institute
Tosca
Opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini
Tosca, one of Puccini’s most famous operas, is set in Rome in
the 1800’s when the city, then occupied by the Kingdom of
Naples, was under attack from Napoleon’s army. The melodrama
follows Tosca’s attempts to free her lover, painter Cavaradossi,
from execution at the hands of anti-Napoleonic forces while, at
the same time, trying to resist advances from royalist chief of
police, Scarpia.
The opera, accompanied by the Macao Orchestra and the Kaunas
State Choir, is produced by The Puccini Festival Foundation –
Torre del Lago and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao
S.A.R. Government. The Puccini Festival Foundation was
established in 1990 in an attempt to bring new life and financial
stability to the Puccini Festival. The Festival was created in 1930
but it became an annual event only in 1966.
Conductor: Lü Jia
Stage Director: Riccardo Canessa
Chorusmaster: Petras Bingelis
Kaunas State Choir
Macao Orchestra
Date in Macao: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, November 1-34, 2012
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium
Organized by: The Puccini Festival Foundation – Torre del Lago
and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R.
Government
Information: www.icm.gov.mo
Arts & Culture
it. figures
The recovery of the classical sense in contemporary art
Project it. figures - the recovery of the classical sense in
contemporary art opened at Red Elation Gallery on Saturday 6th
October at 5 p.m.. Curated by Carolina Lio, the exhibition
compares the ways three names of the Italian contemporary art
scene find themselves with regard to the recovery of classical
representation in the most recent current art research. A
selection of recent sculptures by Franco Anzelmo and ,
paintings by Giuseppe Biguzzi and Silvio Porzionato focuses
on one of the most pressing needs of the contemporary art
system: the restoration of the contact between the art of today
and its history.
In Biguzzi’s artwork we find ourselves faced with anxious,
disappointed and alienated young women who shut themselves
away in an indefinite and melancholic wait; Porzionato’s
paintings show strong boldness in contrast with the loneliness
and helpless nakedness of their characters, as if they were
struggling with inner strength; equally, in Franco Anzelmo’s
sculptures it is possible to discover a life pure and close to an
archetype of innocence, cleansed and free, moving to challenge
gravity and other heavy laws of the world.
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 - Saturday, October 27, 2012
Time: 12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Red Elation Gallery, Lung On Street 5-6, G/F, Wanchai
Organized by: Red Elation Gallery
Exhibition curated by: Carolina Lio
Information: www.redelation.com
Danilo Giannoni
Floating in art
Italian artist Danilo Giannoni will present his personal art
exhibition Floating Art at gallery ArtOne starting 26th October.
Mr. Giannoni started his career as a jewelry designer and model
maker. After working in Italy, USA, Turkey and China, in 2002
the artist decided to move to Istanbul to search for new
inspiration and fell in love with an ancient technique called
Ebru. This method consists of creating colorful patterns by
sprinkling and brushing color pigments on a pan of oily water
and then transferring this pattern to paper.
By combining the knowledge of Turkish Ebru and other
traditional techniques, Danilo began a journey that has made
him one of the most representative and well known artists using
this artistic method.
Studying and testing many new techniques, Danilo has created
a more modern version of Ebru, a new art technique (detailed
painting on marbling background) which blends modern style
and classical calligraphy writing and miniature where
silhouettes and figurines (men and women) are made on water.
Date: Friday, October 26, 2012 - Sunday, November 4, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Venue: ArtOne, M/G Convention Plaza, Harbour Road
1,Wanchai
Organized by: ArtOne features Danilo Giannoni
Information: www.danilogiannoni.com
Journey to the End of the World - Michele Ruggieri and Jesuits in
China
A major exhibition presenting the rare collection of ancient
maps preserved by the State Archive in Rome will open in
Macao at the end of November. For the first time the
extraordinary original cartographic works by Jesuit Michele
Ruggieri and other important cartographers of the time will be
made available to the wider public.
Father Michele Ruggieri, together with Matteo Ricci,
contributed to lay the foundations for a mutual knowledge,
between East and West, during the Ming Dinasty and during
his travels in the Midland he tried to create a complete atlas to
illustrate this new world, customs, language, religion and
thought. The Jesuit’s description of the Land of China are an
extraordinary source of information about Ming China’s culture
and a fundamental contribution to a better understanding of the
fascinating structure of the Ming Empire under Wanli’s reign.
For further information please visit the links below:
www.english.mondomostre.it/categorie/journey-to-the-end-ofthe-world-michele-ruggieri-a
www.macaumuseum.gov.mo
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - Sunday, March 3,
2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Museu de Macao, Macao
Organized by: Mondo Mostre / Cultural Affairs Bureau /
Archivio di Stato di Roma
In collaboration with: Consulate General of Italy / Italian
Cultural Institute
September Activities Feedback
CINE ITALIANO!
Italian Film Week in Hong Kong
Thanks to the synergic efforts of the Italian Cultural Institute,
the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macao,
Zetema Progetto Cultura of Rome and Istituto Luce Cinecittà,
the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society was able to
present Cine Italiano! a selection of contemporary Italian films
which included works by renowned masters as well as lighthearted romantic comedies. Through the multi-faceted
inaugural edition of this event audiences had a chance to
rediscover a rich and diverse cinematic Italian landscape.
Since the Opening Ceremony of Cine Italiano! – Italian Film
Week in Hong Kong at The Ritz-Carlton on 21 September,
local fans of Italian cinema have found more than one reason to
rejoice: not only did the inaugural edition of Cine Italiano!
bring an eclectic selection of eight contemporary Italian films to
The Grand Cinema, but also important film directors, actors and
Italian representatives of the contemporary movie scene
attended the event. Distinguished guests and new directors
attended the event: Andrea Segre, director of opening film Shun
Li and the Poet; Zhao Tao, the first Chinese actress to be
awarded the David di Donatello Award (The Italian Oscar) for
Best Actress for her performance as Shun Li; and Ivan
Cotroneo, renowned screenwriter at his directorial debut of
Kryptonite!.
The festival run from 21 to 26 September with 8 contemporary
films. Highlights included Shun Li and the Poet, the feature
film debut by documentary filmmaker Andrea Segre; the latest
movie by Palme d’Or winner Ermanno Olmi The Cardboard
Village; Kryptonite! by Ivan Cotroneo; Magnificent Presence,
directed by Ferzan Ozpetek, as well as One Day More, Corpo
Celeste, Easy! and The Entrepreneur.
“I am thrilled to be here in Hong Kong and communicate
directly with the audience”, said Andrea Segre. “I loved hearing
their thoughts on the issues addressed in my film, particularly
the Chinese immigrant experience in Italy, and the ways cinema
could help inspire reflections on our lives both at local and
international level.”
“Being part of a film that transcends geographical and cultural
borders, whether in terms of the story concept itself or the
production process, was an engaging and unforgettable
experience”, Zhao Tao commented.
Simone Onnis
An Italian guitarist performance in Hong Kong
Thanks to the support of the Director of the Italian Cultural
Institute of Hong Kong, Mr. Matteo Fazzi, and the Consul
General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macao, Ms Alessandra
Schiavo, guitarist Simone Onnis was invited to perform at the
Sheung Wan Civic Centre of Hong Kong on Saturday 15th of
September. The Hong Kong Guitar Ensemble was also coorganizer of the concert.
The day after the concert Maestro Onnis was also invited by the
students of the Hong Kong Guitar Ensemble to hold a Master
Class at their headquarters.
Simone Onnis started performing in concerts while very young
and has become one of the world’s greatest contemporary
guitarists of his generation.
The performance in Hong Kong included famous pieces, among
which Capricho Arabe, Fantasia su motivi della Traviata, Gran
Jota de Concierto composed by Tarrega; Asturias written by
Albeniz; Elegie, Fantasie Hongroise by Mertz; Koyunbaba,
Suite for Gitarre Op.19 by Domeniconi; Light frameworks
composed by Jappelli. At the end of the concert, the wellknown Sardinian guitarist played a piece he composed himself
which left the audience ecstatic. Everybody present, Italians,
Hong Kong people, guitarist players and music lovers really
appreciated the Italian soloist’s performance.
During the Master Class, students of the Hong Kong Guitar
Ensemble had an opportunity to play with a world-wide famous
guitarist and at the same time appreciate all the suggestions
Simone Onnis gave them.